|
|
|||
|
About Our Meetings | Upcoming Events | Upcoming Meetings | Directions |
|||
|
Meetings &
Upcoming Events We
meet one Sunday a month from 2 PM to 5 PM alternating between our What can you expect when you
attend a PFLAG Meeting?
PFLAG is all about Support, Education, and Advocacy. For people attending their first meeting,
it is all about Support. You will meet parents or family members
of loved ones who have recently "come out" to them as well as
others who have been members for many years and have gone through much of
what you are just beginning to experience.
For some parents, this news is very
difficult to deal with. Most of us
have never had anyone tell us they have a gay child and many just do not know
what to do with this information.
While some people find this news quite distressing; they may be angry
or hurt, others are readily accepting, but all have questions. There is a lot to learn and PFLAG is the
place to ask questions in a safe environment.
All that takes place during our meetings is treated as
confidential. PFLAG
is where we share our experiences in small groups and support each other as
we go through the process of learning, accepting and celebrating our
families. We represent many social,
political, and religious backgrounds but are neither a religious nor a
political group. We
meet to engage in discussion in informal, confidential rap groups led by
trained facilitators where we support and encourage one another as we seek to
keep families in loving relationships after learning that a family member is
gay. Our
meetings are not group therapy, seminars, or workshops. No one is called upon or expected to speak
until they are comfortable doing so.
We know that listening is often all a new participant can do and when
they are ready to talk, they are given all the time and attention they
need. We do not probe or question ones
feelings as we know that all feelings are valid. People share as much or as little as they
are comfortable with, often opening up as time goes on. PFLAG is the place to come where you know
you will receive a positive reaction when you say “My son is gay” or “My
daughter is a lesbian”, or “I am gay”.
For many, PFLAG is the place where those words are first uttered in
public and here they are greeted with a smile. Newcomers are often greeted with such
warmth and support that they are able to articulate for the first time all
the disturbing thoughts and fears they have been harboring since their loved
ones came out to them. They benefit
from the experience of members who are further along in the process of
learning, understanding, and accepting as they learn facts they belie
stereotypes and the negativity put forth by the mean-spirited seeking to
marginalize our children. They receive
reassurance (that our children are happy and healthy living wonderful lives
with their life partners), information, and guidance as to how to deal with
others who may be less enlightened.
Newcomers hear the ease with which members say “I have a gay child”
and then learn that not too long ago they, too, were newcomers with the same
emotions and fears that have been overcome. We meet to discuss the political
and social environment that affects our LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, and
Transgender) loved ones and learn how we can work to advocate for their equal
civil rights. We enjoy the camaraderie
of other families with gay members and of our gay PFLAG members while we
socialize, laugh, smile, share family photos, enjoy refreshments, and become
educated by guest speakers. We have a free lending library from
which members are encouraged to borrow books and videos to help in the
education process. Borders, Barnes and
Noble as well as your public library are great sources for literature WE’VE BEEN BUSY On
June 14th PFLAG LI represented by
Bob, Joan, Jason, Mike, Sue, Mike and Sue’s grandson, Mike’s father, Scott,
Steve, Iris and her friend Paul marched in the 19th annual Gay Pride
Parade in Huntington. It was a
perfect day for walking down For
a few pictures from the parade, you are invited to view Paul's photo
album: Long Island Pride On
June 17th, in response
to an invitation by Matt Bissell, a long-time friend of PFLAG LI, we
presented a table of material at the first ever EEO LGBT Employees Group in
the Northport Veterans Administration Hospital. Jon Cooper was a
speaker at this event and Ronna, Bob, Mac, and Iris fielded queries and
handed out material. We hope to return next year and participate as
this group of LGBT Federal employees grows and becomes even more visible on
the Northport campus of the We
were 13 strong in the NYC Heritage of Pride Parade
on Sunday, June 28th proudly marching behind our new
banner. The first timers and seasoned veterans who had an amazing experience were: Bob ,Joe , Bob (another Bob), Ann (our marshal) – many thanks, Daniel , Maria , Jenny, Jason ,JoAn ,Sunny, Dick, Judy, and Claire (who marches with us every year) Thanks to the three who are sharing
their reaction with us. 1. Well
folks I did it. I marched the whole NYC parade and wowowowowow what an
experience! I have never felt more proud of my baby. What
beautiful people I met. Many asked me to be their mom. I
said”sure". It was absolutely wonderful. 2. The parade was a lot of fun. 3. We
had 13 enthusiastic marchers. The crowd loved us and we loved them
back. It was a great, hot day......and
very encouraging. There were large crowds not just in the
village...but all the way up at the beginning. I was amazed!!! This
is an experience you just never forget and, it never gets old.
Long-time marchers get the same goose-bumps from the crowd’s reaction to us
as first timers. |
|
Parents, Families, & Friends
of Lesbians And Gays - Long Island
P.O. Box 369, Deer Park, NY 11729-0369
• Confidential Help
Line (516) 938-8913